Ranging Vs Trending Markets

By Dave Norman


Figuring out if the market is trending or ranging is a crucial skill in forex trading. After all, this will allow you to set entry points and exit levels more precisely. When price action is showing higher lows, it means that the market is in an uptrend. On the other hand, when price action is making lower highs, it means that the market is in a downtrend. When the market is moving sideways or consolidating, it means that it is in a ranging environment.

One way to figure out if the market is ranging or trending is by connecting the recent highs or lows of price action. When the highs of the price are falling and can be connected by a downtrend line, it means that the market is in a downtrend and that one can use the trend line or re-tracement levels as entry points and aim for lower lows. On the other hand, when the lows of the price are rising and can be connected by an uptrend line, it means that the market is in an uptrend and that one can use the trend line or re-tracement levels as entry points and aim for higher highs.

However, if the highs or lows are connected by horizontal lines, it means that the market is ranging or moving sideways. The range boundaries or support and resistance levels can be used as entry points to catch bounces and one can aim for the opposite side of the range as profit targets.

Chart indicators can complement this trend analysis as well. A good example is the ADX or average directional index. This gives a reading of below or above 25, as a reading greater than 25 means that the market is in a trending environment while a reading below 25 means that it is in a range.

Moving averages can also be used to identify trending or ranging behavior. When a set of moving averages is arranged in an ascending manner, it means that the market is in a downtrend. When the moving averages are in a descending manner, it means that an uptrend is taking place.

Lastly, Bollinger bands are also an effective tool in figuring out ranging or trending market behavior. These bands tend to widen if the market is trending up or down then it also tends to squeeze when the price is consolidating. In addition, the stochastic indicator is helpful when the market is ranging, as it predicts oversold and overbought conditions. An overbought stochastic means that price could bounce from resistance and start selling off while an oversold stochastic means that price could bounce from support and start rallying.




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